Arsenal were top of the table until suffering a 5-1 defeat at Liverpool in February but have struggled without their key men.

But Mertesacker believes the Gunners have the potential to mount a title challenge next season - if they can avoid injuries.

The Germany international said: "I think we have the potential in the squad to be a very promising side in terms of title races, but if you can't keep all your leading players fit all the time it makes it a lot more difficult. That's just a fact.

"Obviously, we will try to use the experience we have had from previous years to help us, especially last season when we had a vital run in and did well.

"It is a similar situation and we are determined to keep that fourth position. We have to try to find nine more points."

EX-CHELSEA star Salomon Kalou is angling for a return to the Premier League this summer - with Arsenal his preferred destination.

Kalou - who won the Champions League with Chelsea two seasons ago - would cost around £2.5m from French club Lille.